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Take an inventory of your existing equipment at home and determine what is usable and what needs to be replaced.

If you currently share a computer with other members of your household, consider buying one for yourself.

Find a place in your home to work without background noise and traffic.

If you don’t have wireless Internet access at home, have one set up so multiple computers have Internet access simultaneously. Make sure your wireless network is strong in your work area and secured with a password.

If you only have one e-mail address, set up another for business purposes only.

Consider purchasing an all-in-one printer, scanner, copier, fax machine if you don’t already have one. If it is wireless, there is no need for more than one printer.

Don’t bother adding another telephone line at home for business purposes. Use your cell phone.

Since you no longer have a corporate support line to call, find a reliable tech support person and set up a maintenance program for your equipment.

Since recent surveys indicate that 3 out of 5 people find that they spend more time working outside their office, consider upgrading to a smartphone (blackberry, iphone, or android) which will give you access to your e-mail and the Internet on the road.

As a parent, do you have the basic computer skills to maintain contact with your college student? Does your technology support your efforts, and do you have the most cost efficient systems in place?

The following are some points that you should be thinking about before the move-in date:

– Will you need to upgrade either your equipment or services?

– How do you determine your child’s equipment needs while in college?

– Does the cell phone provider that you use at home (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc.) have a strong network at your child’s school?

– What can you do to keep your communication costs down?

– What are the most cost efficient ways to stay in communication with your child in college?

– How do you keep in contact with your child who is studying abroad without incurring large telephone charges?

– Has your child’s school granted you online access to key school resources?

– Does your child know how to reach you 24/7?

The chances are that your child may be more up-to-date on the latest technology than you. It is important that you discuss a strategy to communicate in a cost efficient manner. If your child is studying thousands of miles away, or perhaps in any country, you do not want to incur telephone charges that approach the cost of tuition!

Most universities no longer provide phones in their dorms. The use of cell phones and other mobile technology tools has significantly enhanced our ability to maintain our relationships with our children in college. Are you prepared?

Chances are that if you previously worked for a company and had an assistant, many tasks were delegated and support was just a phone call away. Whether you are starting a new venture or looking for employment, your success will depend on your basic computer skills and having a technology plan that supports your efforts.

The majority of Baby Boomers did not start their professional careers in the digital world. The way we communicate and acquire information has changed dramatically. Social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are now part of our personal and business lives. Cell phones have made us more mobile and reachable everywhere. Everyone uses Google to find people, places and things.

Set some time aside and take an inventory of your basic technology skills. Are you able to retrieve and save e-mail attachments, search through past e-mails? Are you able to type and format documents? Are you able to locate your documents? Are you able to make educated decisions about your equipment? Do you know how to use a smartphone? The list is endless.

Individuals and companies that have not embraced technology will find it very difficult to compete in today’s global and wired world.

If you feel you need to brush up on your basic computer skills or want to understand more about the world of technology, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. If you are in career transition, feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.

Do you have only one e-mail address? Chances are, that if you do, you are having a difficult time sorting through it all to find that one important message you have been waiting for. Whether you are using gmail, yahoo, one of the services provided by your cable or DSL provider, or even AOL, your inbox is flooded with ads, jokes and other useless pieces of mail. By most accounts,90% of all e-mails sent are spam!!

Advertisers love to send notices of sales since it is basically a postage free way of reaching millions of potential customers. Ever notice that a single order from any major retailer that manages to obtain your e-mail address will produce a flood of e-mails, daily or weekly? While most e-mail providers claim to have spam control, only the most obvious spam gets caught. Most retail promotions are not blocked unless you set up blockers manually.

What’s the solution? Well, having at least 2 separate e-mail accounts is a start. If you are running a business, you should have separate accounts for your business and personal lives. Even without a business, you should consider 2 personal accounts.

Why? Consider the number of online sites that you have registered with. Whether it be sites like Amazon, Ebay, The Food Network, Bloomingdales, the New York Times, Fandango (movies), etc., you have open the flood gates. Registering requires an e-mail address which often automatically adds you to their mailing list (unless you opt-out).

I have a separate e-mail address for all sites that I purchase from and/or require an e-mail for registration. My main e-mail address is used for business purposes only, and although I still receive a fair amount of junk, it is much more manageable since I never use this account to register for anything unless it is business related.

While you will never be able to eliminate all the junk and spam, it will at least be much more manageable with separate accounts.

If you have any questions about how to set up secondary e-mail accounts, do not hesitate to contact me by phone at (917) 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com.

In addition, click HERE to join my mailing list and receive my FREE whitepaper on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.

The economy has forced many small businesses to cut expenses. Although you might have already reduced your payroll costs and slashed your advertising budget, your overhead is still way too high. The toughest decision has been made to relocate your office to your home and the process is underway.

Chances are that you have started to weed through old paperwork that is no longer needed, posted ads on Craig’s list to sell some furniture, called a mover, researched storage facilities, and tried to figure out how fitting your business into your apartment or house will work.

What about your technology needs? Have you given any thought to what you will need and whether or not your home will accommodate your business needs. The following are some issues that must be addressed before you make the move:

1. What are your computer and hardware needs at home?

2. Have you determined whether your home will support the extra electrical load?

3. What about Internet access? Chances are you are using a business Internet provider. Your home Internet provider (Cable or DSL) might have to be upgraded to support your business needs.

4. Have you thought about your communication needs? Will you be transferring your existing business telephone and fax numbers? What if your home is in another state? Perhaps you should consider one of the Internet based phone systems.

If you have any questions about the big move or any other technology issues, you can contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com.

Click HERE to join my mailing list and receive a FREE copy of my whitepaper on Technology Tips for Your New Business.

Most likely, your household has a computer or two that is used by everyone. That’s fine for personal use. However, if you have a home office, you need your own computer. You don’t want to be in the middle of answering your e-mails or writing a proposal when another member of the household suddenly interrupts you because they need to look up a movie schedule or do homework.

Before I discuss your options, let me state that buying a new computer is not the budget breaking experience it was in the past. Prices are well under $1,000 for a state-of -the-art Windows computer while MACs will run slightly higher, based on your needs.

There are two types of computers; desktops which have a box and a separate monitor (there are a number of all-in-one models available), and laptops. Desktop monitors vary in size and can be as large as some TV screens. They are meant to be used in one location.

There are different types of laptops. Their advantage is that they are space savers and, except for the larger models, mobile. The largest, usually weighing over 7 pounds, have monitors as large as 17 inches and are considered “desktop replacements.” They are not meant for mobile use.

The most favored group of laptops weigh under 5 pounds, with screen sizes in the 13”-15” range. These mid-size models are not only space savers, but you can travel with them. They are large enough to use as your main computer, saving on having to buy a second computer for the road.

The third type of laptop is called a netbook. It weighs under 3 pounds with a 10” screens. The keys are small, and are meant for people who need a full function computer for travel purposes only.

Tablets are in the news and growing in importance. Everyone seems to want an iPad, and it has been dominating the tablet market. As we look at it from a business perspective, it can be a useful tool for roaming around your home and on the road with Internet access either through Verizon or ATT or a wherever a wireless network is available. Its features include the ability to use the Internet for e-mail, access your music, contacts and calendar information. However, despite Apple’s claims, it has not replaced the computer, since typing documents on a touch screen is a challenge. Additionally, printing is an issue, and it does not come with any input devices such as a USB port although adapters are available.

The decision concerning what to purchase will be based on the nature of your business and whether you will be operating mainly in your office or on the road. The specifications of the computer (speed, hard drive size, etc.) will not be the determining factor in your decision, since they all have the capacity to address your individual needs.

All types of computers listed above come with a variety of specifications that can be quite confusing. However, if you are concerned about cost, as we all are, there is no need to have the “latest and greatest.”

Speed is overrated. The difference in either buying a computer with the fastest chip or one that is a step lower can be hundreds of dollars, and you will never notice the difference. The fastest and most popular chips are Intel’s i3, i5, and i7 models. However, computers with chips from AMD are less costly and are fine unless you require a high performing model.

Memory (RAM) is probably the most important and least expensive component. At least 3 gigabytes (GB) and, ideally, 4 GB is recommended. Windows computers should be “64 bit” for maximum performance.

As for Hard disk space, 350 GB should be the minimum, although 250 is OK. 500GB is an option for large file storage. Check the prices.

All computers come with USB ports to attach printers and other external devices. The standard is USB 2.0. However USB 3.0 is entering the market although, at this writing, there are few external devices that are able to operate at a faster speed.

Most laptops come with a built in camera for video conferencing but check before purchasing. If you are buying a separate monitor either for a desktop or to use with your laptop at home, make sure it comes with the camera. If your existing monitor does not include a camera, you can purchase one for under $100 that attaches to the top of the monitor.

The issue of Windows vs. MAC always comes up, and there is no clear answer. Windows based computers still represent close to 90% of all computers in the market. Large corporations still depend on them since most major business applications (programs) are written for Microsoft Windows. MACs are very popular for personal use, and many small business owners own them. MAC desktops and laptops are more expensive. However, as of yet, they are not prone to viruses and other malicious attacks and are regarded as easier to use. I own both, a Windows for my business and a MAC for personal use. MACs can run Windows at an extra cost if you need a Windows based program. However, if you include Windows on your MAC, you will need the standard anti-virus and spyware protection as discussed earlier.

If you have any questions about selecting a computer or any other technology issues, you can contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com.

Click HERE to join my mailing list and receive a FREE copy of my whitepaper on Technology Tips for Your New Business.

Selecting the right location for your home office is critical. Chances are that you already use a computer at home and have set up an area for the computer, printer, etc. However, using a computer for personal use is substantially different from using it for business purposes. A business office requires a private environment, with no traffic and noise. While I realize that many of you have space limitations, particularly those of us that live in an apartment, you need to avoid an area that is a walk through, has a dishwasher running and other diversions. Pick a bedroom, if necessary, and close the door while you are working.

Once you have decided on a location, be sure that you have Internet access. Most of you probably have a wireless network at home. If this is the case, there is no limit on how many computers can access the Internet through the network. You don’t need a separate account with an additional modem and router. The main issue is whether you can obtain a strong signal in your designated work area. The range of a wireless network is several hundred feet. However, thick walls and floors such as those that exist in prewar (World War 2) structures will encounter “dead areas.” If this is the case, boosters can be installed to carry the signal to your office area.

Now that you have selected a nice quiet, remote area to work, desk location needs to be addressed. You don’t want to face a window or have it in back of you. The glare from the outside will make it very difficult to see the monitor. Although it would be nice to be able to view the park and the birds, make sure you are either facing a wall or have it behind you. Do not take this advice lightly!! An acquaintance of mine told me that she had her desk in front of a window with a marvelous view for years. Now her eyesight has deteriorated. Make sure you avoid excessive light and glare.

Selecting the right chair will save your back. Make sure your back is supported, and that you are not leaning over to view the monitor. Kitchen and dining room chairs should not be used. Invest in a good chair.

If you have any questions about setting up a home based office or any other technology questions, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com

You’ve recently left corporate life, set up a home office or started a new business. Your documents, pictures, music, videos, etc, that are stored in your computer are important to you. Do you have a backup system? Here are some reasons you should be backing up your data.

1. What if your computer crashes and you can’t start it.
2. Your home/office burns down
3. Your computer has been stolen
4. You left the computer in a restaurant, hotel, etc.
5. Coffee, soda or other liquid has been spilled on the keyboard of your laptop
6. The computer has been dropped
7. A virus has wiped out the hard drive
8. Malware, short for malicious software, has permitted someone to infiltrate your computer system without your consent
9. You have inadvertently erased an important file.
10. Someone else who uses your computer has deleted files

The list goes on. Before disaster strikes, make sure you are backing up ALL your important data onto an external hard drive and explore many of the online backup options that are available.

If you have any questions about what method of backup is best for you, do not hesitate to contact me.

Do you have the right tools to operate from home? Does you technology support your needs? The equipment and services you need for business purposes are different than those used for personal use. Learn how to achieve maximum productivity.

If you were born between 1946-1964, you are part of the Baby Boomer generation. Your age bracket (47-65) represents 77.6 million of all Americans and is growing as an overall percentage of our population.

The weakened economy has forced many boomers to re-evaluate their financial situations, and in many cases, their careers.

It is not unusual that many Boomers are faced with one of more of the following situations.

They have recently left corporate life, either as a result of downsizing or by choice

They are starting a new business

They are re-entering the job market after retirement or merely to supplement the family income

They are looking to set up a cost efficient home office

They are confused by all the new technology that seems to appear on the market almost on a daily basis

They simply need to brush up on their basic computer skills

Chances are that if you are transitioning out of corporate life, there was always a technology support group available a phone call away. On your own, finding the right resource to replace that support can be quite challenging.

As a former corporate executive, I understand your needs. My clients include many boomers faced with similar concerns regarding their technology needs. If you are facing any of the issues listed above, of have any other technology issues that you would like to discuss, give me a call at 917 921-4518 or e-mail me at jblue@bluetutor.com.